Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – “Excited” would be an understatement, but it’s the only word that first-time head coach Travis Gary said fit his feelings in anticipation of his first regular season game.

Gary will lead the program in which he quarterbacked nearly a decade ago as Red River kicks off its regular season Friday with a visit to Catholic-Pointe Coupee.

“I am excited!” Gary said. “This is what it’s about, guiding young men.

“And I get a front row seat to watch them reap what they’ve sown throughout this offseason.”

His promotion to defensive coordinator midseason in 2024 helped spark Red River’s vast improvement, which resulted in the program’s first district title since 2005 and a first-round home playoff win.

Now Gary is the head man after Byron Keller took the Winnfield High job, and Gary will aim to continue Red River’s progress in 2025.

The season-opener is more than just the first game, it’s a measuring stick of sorts against a Class 1A Catholic squad that handled the Bulldogs, 26-6, en route to a nine-win season.

“I see this as an opportunity to show how hard we’ve worked this offseason,” Gary said. “We have already witnessed progression within the program – the first game is just our guys’ opportunity to display the work they’ve put in.

“Ultimately competing against someone else Week 1 will reveal some good and bad things. But we can’t wait to see how we stack up against another team.”

The Bulldogs were competitive in a 21-12 loss to Tioga in last week’s jamboree, but Gary highlighted tackling as one key issue that will receive extra attention in practice.

The defense returns just two starters from a 2024 unit that held four of its five district opponents to single digits.

Quarterback Malique Smith will begin his third year under center in an offense that will likely showcase his passing ability more than in past seasons.

“Malique has grown tremendously,” Gary said of the District 3-2A Co-Offensive MVP. “This year, he will get the chance to show off his skillset.

“He’s really bought into the system and has taken tremendous strides.”

Defenses will surely know where Warren Bowman is on the field as the jack of all trades will be a rushing, receiving and return threat.

An offensive line led by Karrington Owens has made strides and should clear the way for Bowman and others while protecting Smith.

Catholic-PC quarterback Jude Morrison is a dual threat who is starting for his fourth season, setting the table for a veteran Hornets squad.